2009 SXSW Preview: Showcasin' Cheat Sheet

More than 1,800 bands will descend (that's right -- descend, as in hordes, like locusts) on Austin, Texas, March 18-22 for the annual South by Southwest Festival. If you've made plans to go, it's hard not to become overwhelmed at the thought of how to figure out who to see and when.

Wait. Let me rephrase that: once the tsunami of media, music and beer that is SXSW completely takes you under, only then can you submit to the task of assembling a reasonable schedule of events for yourself. You have to give in to the idea that it's impossible to see it all, or else you'll succumb to a wave of exasperation. It's best just to accept it, prioritize and marvel at the the powerful mystique that is this juggernaut of conferences.

If you want to stay in control and haven't already organized your five days in Austin hour by hour, the official Prefix Showcasin' Cheat Sheet is here to help.

Where: Fado Irish Pub, 214 W. 4th St.Why: Lots of folk-rock acts from around the U.S. An “ass-kicking” after-party starts at 10:30 p.m. with Holly Golightly. It's free and no wristband is required, but you'll need to print off the invitation at here.

Why: So many good reasons. It's free, open to the public of all ages, and there's no need to RSVP. Oh, and the lineup: Vivian Girls, Beach House, The Thermals, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Themselves, Yoni Wolf, Max Tundra, Wavves, Loney Dear, Shout Out Out Out Out, Fol Chen, Lake, Rainbow Arabia, DMG$ and Larytta.

Why: Last year some of KCRW's acts won Grammys. Lineup: Ida Maria, School of Seven Bells, Port O’Brien, Angus and Julia Stone, Other Lives and Boat People.

What: Asthmatic Kitty, K Records & Tomlab 2009 SXSW All-Star Revue

When: Wednesday, March 18 at 8 p.m.Where: Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.

Why: If you miss or can't get into the Forcefield showcase, this is the alternative. It's an official SXSW Showcase, so you will need a badge or wristband, but with some luck and an early arrival you might be able to get in with a cover. Lineup at the Indoor Bar: Grampall Jookabox, 8 p.m.; Lake, 9 p.m.; Fol Chen, 10 p.m.; Rafter, 11 p.m.; DM Stith, 12 a.m.; Jeremy Jay, 1 a.m.; Outdoor/Backyard Lineup: What´s Up?, 8.15 p.m.; No Kids, 9.15 p.m.; Desolation Wilderness, 10.15 p.m.; Tara Jane O`Neil, 11.15 p.m.; Parenthetical Girls, 12.15 p.m.; Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, 1.15 p.m.

Why: The band will perform all 17 songs off their new album, Hazards of Love, in sequence. Lavender Diamond's Becky Stark and My Brightest Diamond's Shara Worden (who appears on the album) will join the group on stage.Also performing on the bill is the Avett Brothers, Heartless Bastards, Ladyhawke and Janelle Monae.

When: Thursday, March 19Where:Opal Divine's Freehouse, 700 W. 6th St.Why:Matt and Kim's only SXSW appearance this year. Playing with them: Flosstradamus, The Soft Pack, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Kuroma and Holy Ghost.

What:Found Magazine and Quack Media

When:Thursday, March 19, noon–6 p.m.

Where:Red 7, 611 E. 7th St.

Why: Free, all ages show, but you must RSVP. Lineup: The Hold Steady, No Age, Lucero, The Tallest Man on Earth, The Hard Lessons, Human Highway, Great Lakes Myth Society, Adam Stephens, Javelins and The Magic.

What: Music By The Slice

When: Thursday, March 19–Saturday, March 21

Where: Home Slice Pizza, 1415 South Congress

Why: Three days of music all free; no RSVP or wristband required. Lineup includes Von Bondies, Dead Confederate, Deer Tick, The Rosebuds, Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), Fences, Mt. St. Helen's Band, Port O'Brien, and lots more.

Why: If you've missed other opportunities to see Vetiver, now is your chance. RSVP required, ages 21 and older. Lineup: Vetiver, Or the Whale, The Federalists, LoveLikeFire, Botticellis, Dizzy Balloon, Sleepy Sun, The Stone Foxes, Maus Haus, HOTTUB! An evening showcase starting at 8 p.m. will feature the Morning Benders, the Matches, the Lovemakers, Scissors for Lefty, Loquat and When Girls Collide.